Call for Farmer Safety Zones in Manipur Following Gun Attack

Urgent Demands for Farmer Safety in Manipur

Imphal, June 21: In response to a recent gun attack on a farmer in Phubala village, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has made a compelling appeal for the establishment of "Farmer Safety Zones" throughout the agricultural regions of Manipur. The organization is also advocating for shoot-at-sight orders against any unauthorized armed individuals entering farmland.

This demand follows the shocking incident where Ningthoujam Biren Singh, a local farmer, was shot at close range, just 30 meters from the SSB security line, despite the presence of multiple security forces including the BSF, JKLI, and SSB.

COCOMI has labeled this attack as a “deliberate act of terror” intended to instill fear among farmers and hinder their agricultural activities.

“This was not simply a security lapse; it was a coordinated violation of three security layers,” COCOMI stated in their press release.

“The assailants managed to pass through these checkpoints armed with deadly weapons, raising serious concerns about the effectiveness and reliability of the current security measures.”

During a visit to the site and discussions with local farmers and the victim's family, COCOMI leaders noted a pervasive sense of fear and trauma within the community. They engaged with senior security officials, including ADGP L. Kailun, IGP K. Kabib, and SP Imphal West Ksh. Shivakanta, presenting a list of urgent requests.

The key demands from COCOMI include:

Establishment of Farmer Safety Zones

All agricultural areas near foothills and canals should be designated as arms-free zones, with shoot-at-sight orders for any unauthorized armed individuals, especially those wielding assault rifles or similar weapons.

Accountability for Security Failures

COCOMI has called for a thorough investigation to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the security breach, warning that future negligence must lead to direct consequences for officials.

Creation of Permanent Security Outposts

The organization has also requested the establishment of permanent, well-equipped security facilities in the High Canal Zone to prevent further incidents.

Unhindered Access for Cultivation

COCOMI demands that Meitei farmers be granted full and fearless access to their traditional paddy fields up to the foothill boundaries, even if this necessitates relocating security perimeters.

Increased Mobile Patrolling

They recommend deploying 2-3 additional paramilitary companies for mobile patrols and reinforcing existing static posts to ensure continuous surveillance.

Medical and Economic Assistance

COCOMI urges the government to provide immediate medical care and financial compensation to the injured farmer’s family, ensuring their food and livelihood security during recovery.

Despite national slogans like “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan,” COCOMI highlighted that farmers in Manipur continue to face armed threats, humiliation, and violence, jeopardizing their right to a secure livelihood. The organization warned that inaction will not be tolerated and called on both the Manipur and Central governments to take swift action.

“Farmers in Manipur feed the nation. If the state fails to protect them, the entire system is called into question,” the statement concluded.